I adored Mageborn, but Nightborn takes the The Hollow King series to a whole new level.  Picking up three months after Grace, Bastien, Danny, Misha, and Ellyn fled Rathlynn we step back into the story with a whole new set of problems brewing on top of the ones they left behind. Celeste is still wreaking havoc, Aurelie is still grasping for power, and Asher is scheming in the background and loyal to no-one but himself. But now they have to deal with the mageborn not only going hollow but turning dark, a Valenti queen trying to trap Bastien into a loveless political marriage, and strong tides of civil unrest from both the mageborn rebelling against their maltreatment and the oppressing class using events as excuse to commit genocide. Needless to say, the real world parallels were both difficult to digest given current events but also humbling and needed.

Though this book is considerably darker than Mageborn there is still plenty of beauty and joy to be found. The plot is an absolute roller-coaster with plenty of twists and turns, and the intense action is balanced out with moments of tenderness and exceptional loyalty. There's a vast array of morally grey characters, and the chapters told from multiple POVs allow for deep character development.

As a result I ended up falling in love with Kurt - everything from his snark to his commitment to the community he lives in made him one of my favourites. I'm so glad he got to play a more prominent role in this book. My heart broke with the first nightborn he tried to help and swelled with pride at his leadership in the final chapters. But Grace, hands down, steals the show. She gets more complex with every page and doesn't shy away from the tough decisions. The dedication she shows her friends is commendable, even when it's not the easiest route. She's still stubborn and headstrong, and I can't stress how much appreciated that her fire never lessened even with romance in the picture.

Finally, I love magic systems and fantasy worlds, but what really strikes home is that the magic in Thorne's world always comes at a cost. The mageborn have access to incredible power, but it comes with the knowledge that it can, and often does, kill them. This provides a subtle balance as the reasons and mechanisms for their oppression, and it really prompts some deep thinking once you get past the splendours of Rathlynn and Valenti. Now add in an ancient evil that seeks to reclaim that power for other purposes all together and you've got a recipe for some serious drama to kick off.

Altogether this is a fantastic read - it's witty, fast paced, and chalk full of characters that are sure to capture your heart. If you like a little romance with your fantasy, and even a little social commentary on the side, then I highly recommend it.

'Nightborn (The Hollow King Book 2)' by Jessica Thorne is has been one of my most eagerly awaited releases of the year. When I read the first novel in the series 'Mageborn' back in February, I had no idea the kind of need it was going to create in me for more of her world.

In hindsight, I fell absolutely in love with Bastien the moment he graced the pages. I was slower to warm to the other characters, though they're all good.. the villains included. In fact, the villains have pretty nasty tendencies indeed.. even if they don't always get to carry out their thoughts and ideas.

Prince Bastien, the Lord of Thorns, and his lover Grace Marchant fled their home for safer lands. This part of the journey picks up on those distant islands with the Valenti Dowager Queen bargaining with the throne meant for him. As heir to the throne of Larelwynn, she offers him an alliance in exchange for marrying her daughter.

Meanwhile, innocent mageborn are being corrupted and becoming nightborn once thought to be legend, growing dangerously powerful as the Deep Dark spreads. The only way to protect themselves and save the people he's sworn to protect seems to be agreeing to the price the Valenti royal family demands. Though Grace knows the sacrifice is necessary for the good of the kingdom, he's her everything.. and watching it all happen is not easy.

Oh the angst!

While I do miss the constantly annoyed, brooding Bastien from the first book, it's also really good to see him content and it's frustrating how short-lived his happiness always seems to be. Watching as those around his clamor for his power or his name for their own agendas is infuriating. He deserves so much more.

Thorne does such a great job of getting the reader invested because there really is always some nefarious person right around the corner with plans to use him. He's loyal, protective, and will do just about anything for those he considers 'his people' which is a huge weakness with the pit vipers surrounding him.

The supporting characters are wonderful. The banter is good, the dialogue is well-written, and frankly.. there's a great sense of humor that sort of permeates their little group. Sarcasm abounds.

I love Misha the Lyric who's loyalty also seems to know no bounds, of course.. he suffered awfully in book one as well and I haven't forgotten. Kurt is a wildcard, always funny, always resourceful, but you never know exactly where he's going to come down on a situation. Ellyn is as stubborn as Grace and that's saying something because I'm pretty sure if you searched the word in Webster's.. there'd just be a picture of her there.

It's definitely a quick-paced page-turner. There's plenty of action, lots of moments that swing wildly back and forth while you wait to see the outcome, and an antagonist that just never stops showing up at the worst possible moments. I despise Asher. Even more than the nasty royals, the man has no morals. He completely lacks any redeeming qualities. I guess.. I could say that for all the villains, they're clear-cut.

Though Bastien is beautiful and lovely.. he's also (to borrow a phrase from a comedian) a bit of a Princess Peach. I'm not sure I've ever read a powerful male character who gets captured quite so much. He's always being abused by some horrible person or another, manipulated and controlled.. because he does have vulnerabilities. Don't get me wrong, it makes for a great story. It just also makes me want to sweep him away and keep him safe.. which enables me to relate to Grace really easily. At least until she does the same stupid things, albeit for better.. if not good reasons.

Unless you're heartless, you're probably going to go through some tissues. I know I did. Quite a few.. and it started before I even reached the first half of the book.

If you like good fantasy stories with interesting mythos building and magic systems, this is one of my favorites. Be sure to give this series a try. Thorne really knows how to weave a tale and keep you engrossed throughout every page.

Grace and Bastien return in their electrifying, magical style, in Nightborn, the sequel to Mageborn.

In a foreign court, surrounded by treachery and duplicitous enemies, Grace and Bastien are on a dangerous discovery – what malevolent darkness is taking over the Mageborn?

Bastien and Grace meet their biggest challenges yet. Bastien is given an ultimatum – marry Princess Rynn or face total destruction. And Grace is drawn deeper into the darkness that has a hold of her.

Full of non-stop fantastical action, Nightborn brings Bastien and Grace together with their small, but faithful friends, making ultimate sacrifices to help save the kingdom from evil ruin.

I loved Grace’s character development. While she is still tough, cautious, distrustful, she lets that guard down ever-so-slightly. Bastien - there were times I think he could have been bolder, more dauntless. But together, they are a romantic and fearless power duo.

An excellent continuation of the first book that will keep you eagerly reading from start to finish.

Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the read of Jessica Thorne’s, Nightborn (The Hollow King Book 2).

Opinions expressed are my own.

This is the second in the Hallow King series and I really would recommend reading these in order. Nightborn is a follow on, you’d miss out on a lot of the story if you read this as a standalone. As always there will be no spoilers for Nightborn but I will be referring to events that happened in Mageborn.

It was no secret that I adored Mageborn and I have been excited to see what Jessica had in store for us next. Nightborn did not disappoint.

The Story
We pick up the story 3 months after the events of book 1. Our gang of characters have fled Rathlynn to the Valenti Islands. The descriptions of this place really put me in mind of Venice. The city is surrounded by water, everything is interconnected by canals and river ways. All ruled over by the Dowager Queen, a fearsome woman with spies in every part of the world.

After Bastien drew on the Magen to pull Grace back from the dead she hasn’t felt herself. Something is pushing at her being, trying to drag her under. Other Mageborn are no longer going Hollow either, but something much worse, they are becoming Nightborn. Bastien and Grace must navigate the Valenti court and stay one step ahead of the political webs being woven around them. As well as discover what is happening to the Mageborn.

Those Characters we love to hate
They are back, Asher Kane, Queen Aurelie and Celeste, still as mad as ever. The three of them are determined to bring Grace and Bastien down and will use any means necessary. I really dislike this trio but add in a few other questionable characters and yet again you are never quite sure who is playing who and what the long game is. I really enjoy that in a book, trying to work out the outcome of what is going on.

The other new main character we are introduced to is Princess Rynn of the Valenti Island’s. I couldn’t decide how I felt about her at first and I do feel we only brushed the surface of everything she had to offer. She could be a very influential character and I am guessing we will see more of her in the future.

Origin Story
At its heart this is an origin story of the Hollow King and how Bastien came to be what he is. Bastien starts to get his very early memories back. It isn’t quite what we had been led to believe in Book 1. I found this quite complicated in places and had to re-read a couple of bits just to get my head around it all. I’m still a little confused about it but I did love learning more about the magic system and what was happening to all the Mageborn.

Final Thoughts
Just like Mageborn, Nightborn is full of political power play and a hunger for supremacy. It is fast paced, action packed and will make your head spin. I enjoyed the fact that the potential love triangle was not at all what I assumed it to be and Jessica avoided all the usual clichés. It made the story telling so much more interesting.

I have to say I’m not sure how I feel about there being another book in this series. For me in some ways in wrapped up beautifully but equally there were some loose ends that could easily be developed. I will certainly read anything else Jessica publishes as I have really enjoyed what I have read so far.

I had actually pre-ordered this but still went ahead with getting the galley because I was so excited!

Nightborn continues where Mageborn left off and the world is just as magical and dangerous in the sequel. This time however Grace and Bastien are in a relationship and the book follows them together as they try and overcome some CRAZZZZY obstacles, world ending, psycho goddess sisters, possession by dark entities, drugged marriages.... Yeah it's a crazy ride!

Whilst I absolutely loved being back in this world I did feel like the book could be condensed a bit more I sort of felt like it was too long. Which is strange because the book is action packed and has plenty of plot twists and even areas I feel needed more time spent on them such as Grace's recovery from Bastien's attempted murder, more info on the Zephyr that lost control, more backstory into why Bastien became totally human.

The pacing was overall very good and the plot line was brilliant! I still enjoyed the characters particularly the introduction of Rynn. I would have preferred more tension between Grace and Bastien as they tried to navigate their relationship because it didn't feel as deep as I would've liked given their past and the events that happened.

Overall I'm giving 3.5 stars. Bumping up to 4 because can't do half stars here.

Review will be live on socials next week. (first week June)

I had the pleasure of reading Mageborn earlier this year, and while I enjoyed it, Nightborn was the bloody, action-packed adventure that I was waiting for! One of my criticisms from book one was that instead of being a true dark fantasy, the plot heavily focused on the romance between Grace and Bastien…that is NOT the case here, and I loved it.

Both Grace Marchant and Bastien Larelwynn are back, but this time they are in a foreign court. While Bastien is trying not to get too wrapped up in the politics that come with court, something strange and dark is happening to the Mageborn. The Mageborn are becoming hollow, no worse than that, the deep dark is taking hold of the Mageborn and they are becoming so dark and powerful that they are now Nightborn. And unfortunately, our poor Grace isn’t immune.

This book didn’t hold back. There was blood, darkness, evil, and magic that comes at the most terrible price. While I felt like book one was time, Jessica Thorne spat in my face with book two. I was at the edge of my seat and holding my breath, not sure what was going to happen next.

We no longer view the story from Grace’s and Bastien’s POV, which allows for the story to really flourish. Even the side characters felt more developed and compled. The magic and world building was incredible.

Overall, if you’re a fantasy fan, definitely pick this duology up. The entire series culminates into an ending that will leave your jaw on the floor.

Thank you to Bookouture for the blog tour invite and for providing a review copy through NetGalley. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.

Nightborn is a wonderful wrap-up of a magical duology full of dark secrets and unexpected twists.

I really enjoyed Mageborn when I read it and couldn’t wait to get my hands on Nightborn soon enough. The story starts a short time after the end of Mageborn with Bastien and Grace safe in a whole new kingdom. Until that safety is pull out from under their feet when they’re faced with a decision Grace never saw coming. Either Bastien marries that kingdom’s youngest princess or everyone he cares for will suffer.

Their journey throughout this book was action-packed and thrilling with lots of twists and turns. Very fast-paced, between ambushes, stolen memories, kidnappings and dark powers brewing within our beloved characters, they fight to overcome everything thrown their way by multiple enemy forces.

The most surprising character in this book has to be Asher Kane. His motivations and his plans are unveiled in this instalment and we see a side of him we haven’t before. His cunning has no match.

I was not a big fan of Rynn at the start but she slowly grew on me. New bonds blossom with the introduction of a few new characters and new plots are uncovered.

I think Kurt has to be my favourite character in the book. I love how sassy and arrogant he can be. Everyone in the gang is amazing and I was happy to follow their adventures again.

The negative thing I can comment on is how Bastien felt less powerful in this book. He barely used his powers and we see Grace use hers a lot more. I think in some scenes Bastien could have defended himself easily and he just didn’t.

I highly recommend this duology to any and all fans of YA fantasy. It’s an exciting and action-packed story that leaves you at the edge of your seat.

Nightborn is the second in the Hollow King series and I would recommend that you read the first, Mageborn just to get a fuller picture of the characters and story line.

Nightborn really improved on the first book. We get to know the characters even better as it strikes the right balance between romance, action and adventure.

I enjoyed the fact the story got a little bit darker for the second outing too, with an almost fairy tale quality to it.

The relationship between Grace and Bastien was more fraught and tense in this novel too, with plenty of roadblocks to their happily ever after.

I do feel like the ending was a little rushed, in fact there were certain aspects that I would have liked to have seen fleshed out a little more and explained a little better but fingers crossed for another book.

Nightborn is a magical fantasy/romance novel that left me wanting to see more from these characters.

This is the second installment of a fascinating series The Hollow King trilogy. This book is incredibly fast paced with so many stubble's and plot twists I was on the edge of my seat.

And well I must say this book ends on a very major cliffhanger (setting up book 3 nicely) so be forewarned.

I have no idea what will happen next but I can't wait to find out and I am still rooting for Grace and Bastian. I can't say I love the romantic love triangle (I feel plenty of drama can be added in other ways) or the ensuing tension that plaques our MC's until the final twist kudos for masterful writing!!!

The disturbance in the magic of the nightborn after Grace dies and returns is brilliant and the chaos is gripping. There is mayhem, death, and destruction. You will not be disappointed it was absolutely riveting I could not stop reading it... And Grace just WoW she slays it in this book and her character just grips me at the core. Her feelings are so raw and she is so strong even when she feels hopeless and overcome by her fears and emotions. She owns them and continues forward. I am torn over Bastian and his obvious gullibility and I just find the fact he allowed these manipulations to tear down his world very surprising. I get family is complicated but he knows their hearts and manipulations from years of navigation this felt off to me Bastian should have grown past these kinds of control.

The ending didn't quite grab it for me... Don't get me wrong saving Grace is excellent but I am hoping the pieces tie together better in book three with deeper detail into the thoughts and plans of the Hollow King. I just want sooooo much more lol. I will definitely be eagerly waiting for the final installment. Yep despite a few flaws this story has me hook line and sinker and I am invested for the next book.

Fantastic book get it and love t!!! Read the first book before this one it is not a stand alone.


I received this book from NetGalley and Bookouture for an honest review.
#Nightborn
#NetGalley

Nightborn is book two in The Hollow King series/trilogy. Best read in order. Oh wow. Readers are in for a rollercoaster of a ride with this one. Up down up. Plenty of magic. Plenty of evil and there’s some good too. Some romance. Some enemies. This books got it all. Very fast paced. There’s always something to keep you reading on. Brilliantly written. Was great to be back with these familiar characters. Some chapters were a little long for my personal liking but nevertheless it didn’t put me off. Beautiful cover too.

What a cliffhanger that was… I’m praying & begging to see what happens next. I’m unsure if this is a series or trilogy but either way I’m waiting & don’t want it to end. Brilliant. Perfect for fantasy lovers. I loved it. Enjoyed it. A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend. I need more Grace & Bastian in my life.

I was spellbound by the first book and eager to read this book. Sometimes second books don't live up to your imagination of how it should go or the hype you dream up while living on the afterglow of the first book. There is a lot of uncertainty with a second book. I will tell you (in my opinion) that I believe this book may be better than the first.
The plot not only thickens, but characters become more refined and fleshed out. We see deeper emotions which allows for the reader to really latch on to Bastien and Grace as they try to navigate a foreign court. The dark intrigue, suspense, and mystery slings in this book as the author keeps the reader on their toes trying to figure out what is causing the Mageborn to try into these evil entities and if they can be saved. I don't want to give too much away but the sacrifices and heartache in this had me yelling a time or two as I quickly read through this book to an ending that I hope will lead to a book that will answer all. It's a must read series for fans that like James Maxwell and Jeff Wheeler. They won't be let down.

**I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thank you NetGalley **

Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of the book via Netgalley. The first book in this series had a slow start but I became hooked by the end so I had to read this second book.

I read the first book back in February and well a lot has happened since then and I struggled to remember how the first book ended. A small summary at the beginning of this book would have been helpful to refresh my memory and get me back into the world. Much like the first book I did find the first 30% to be quite slow. Once I broke through the 30% mark I raced to the end. I really enjoyed the writing and it was easy to turn page after page. The story moves along nicely without feeling rushed.

The book is full of action, twists and turns. Grace was feisty and kick ass. She fought right the way through and never gave up. I really admire Grace for that. Bastien, in my opinion, is still a little naive in this book. He relies on his status a bit too much and, well, let's say it doesn't always end well.

There are an absolute host of side characters which I loved. We saw Kurt Parry develop more in this book too. It was nice to see what was going on in Eastferry while Grace and Bastien were in Valenti. It helped to give a whole picture of the world rather than just a one-dimensional view of where the main character is.

The ending left it open for another book which I really hope we get as I feel the story is not quite finished.

Trigger Warnings: physical violence, Slavery, mild gore, physical injury; mention of sexual assault by woman.

I received this book from Net Galley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.

"The Deep Dark is coming, and all the Nightborn will be coming with it."
"Coming?"
"For me. For you. And for everyone we love." 

Can I just say how much I waited to read this book the moment I received the news it was ready to be released? That it's been only 3 months ago that I read Mageborn and the continuation is here. That my babies, Bastien and Grace, are here and I can succumb to my foolish weak emotions and dive back into their world straight away with my mind fresh and ready to swallow the pages one by one. I just love Jessica's writing, they are my very own drug. I guess that's how Aurelie feels... Magic is addicting ;)

He had a heart that would look after this whole world even if it killed him.

It's been exactly three months since Grace and the gang escaped from Aurelie, Asher and Celeste clutches and spoiled their plans for at least a little while. Grace got so much on her shoulders now, the protection of Bastien and her friends, the future of the kingdom and how they going to usurp Aurelie and now a malevolent power raising thanks to Bastien saving her from the brink of death. Things aren't great at all, not only they are housed in another country seeking an asylum and trying to gather forces so Bastien can claim the throne the mageborn are starting to lose control. It's not another Hollow outburst, no... The Deep Dark is back and is rapidly changing the mages one by one, including our beloved Grace.

You could be so much more. If you just had the courage to reach out and seize it. It's waiting for you. There's a sacrifice, of course. But everything worthwhile demands a sacrifice. Especially magic. 

This book isn't kidding around if you thought the stakes were high in the previous title think again. Jessica Thorne is here to torment us with so many conflicts and angst that for some time I forgot to breath. I thought I was in one of those exceptionally movie screening of David Lynch movie and just when I thought I comprehend what was happening, she push me off my chair and then my heart was panicking. Grace have to put her duty before her own happiness, Bastien dealing with his own identity and what was his past which has huge gaps in it, Ellyn been uncomfortable been back to her own home country at the control of the Valenti royal family and Kurt, Daniel's brother trying to be a huge thorn in Aurelie butt while buying the gang some time.

You aren't just following Bastien and Grace POV anymore but everybody which appreciate since now we get to enjoy the perspective of so many characters like Daniel, Kurt, Ellyn, HACK even the bad guys Aurelie and Celeste which were my favorite to explore. Aurelie was quite an enjoyable little villain and seeing her shine more in this book was a blessing. Celeste still a huge wild card and she wasn't undermined and became a vital part for the final act too. More depth to the world and the magic, the history behind the hollow king was revealing and it was mind blowing. I enjoyed this, and if you loved Mageborn you'd love this one too :)

I recieved this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I´ll be waiting for this book since I read Magicborn this February and love it so much. I enjoy this book but not as Magicborn, maybe because the first book was awesome and I want to learn more about the world, the magic, the characters, etc... But I feel unsatisfied.

I expected a lot from this book since I like the first book Magicborn too much, I must admit that I did not expect anything from what I read but I was not surprised. I think I was a little disappointed.

What I liked least about the book was the princess and all the problem that was formed, I felt that it was super unnecessary and irrelevant to the story.

Still the story seems to be over but if another book appears that continues the story, I'll read it.

I think Jessica Thorne has great talent.

Grace is still my favorite character.

I was so happy to be approved for an ARC of this as I loved the first book so much and I was ecstatic and excited to read this. I was not disappointed in anyway, straight back into Night orbs world withGrave and Bastien, the romance just beginning in the first book, it is the main theme in this one and Grace is at threat in this book, her heart and life, that’s all I’ll say as no spoilers. The characters again are so likeable and you root for Grace all the way through, it’s an addictive, on the edge of your seat read. It’s heartbreaking at times, fast paced fantastic fantasy. I’m sure and hopeful there is more to come, as there is plenty more to explore and to be resolved. I look forward to the next just as eagerly.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Previously in Mageborn (book #1) we got to know protagonists Grace Marchant and Bastien Larelwynn, The Lord of Thorns.

The plot picks up 3 months after the last book finishes. Bastien, Grace and their comrades have fled to Valenti to escape the wrath of Queen Aurelie. We catch up with our friends in the Valenti Royal Court.

Grace and Bastien are in love. The elite soldier and the Lord of Thorns, heir to the Larelwynn throne seem destined to be together. Prince Bastien with all his powerful magic and Grace, who recently got her magic restored. Together they form a powerful magical duo who want to use their magic for good.

But their happiness is short lived. Mageborn everywhere are turning into cruel and deadly beings; nightborn. Their magic overtaking them so they become completely unrecognisable, even to their own families. Grace and Prince Bastien are the only people with enough power to stop them. But to stop the nightborn sacrifices need to be made.

The only way Grace and Bastien can stop the nightborn is to strike a deal with the Valenti Royals. In particular a manipulative bunch who have their eyes set on the Larelwynn throne. At any rate, this deal is to be the biggest sacrifice of them all. If they want to defeat the nightborn Bastien has to marry the Rose of the Valenti; a Valenti princess.

To make matters worse Grace starts to get a feeling deep in her being. It’s creeping up on her and she has to do everything she can to control it. The nightborn magic is trying to overtake her as well.

Will Bastien agree to marry the Valenti princess? Can Grace make the heartbreaking sacrifice to see her lover marry another for the greater good? Can she fight off the nightborn magic long enough to defeat it?

Jessica Thorne continued the journey of our strong female lead Grace and the bad-guy-turned-out-not-so-bad Prince Bastien in this second instalment. She managed to create a second world alongside the kingdom of Rathlynn from the previous book.

This time around I found the description of the characters as well as the places a lot more detailed. It was easier to connect with the created world for me. It really felt that there was a second kingdom next to Rathlynn that seemed entirely different from one another.

The romantic undercurrent from book #1 is no longer an undercurrent in this book. It has become the main story line. It has to be because their romance is what makes or breaks the defeat of the nightborn. I didn’t mind it as the main focus though, as it doesn’t take away from the story line now.

I don’t think I would have been able to grasp the story line so well if I hadn’t read book #1. So while I think you could read this one as a standalone book, I would really recommend reading book #1 first. Too much of what is happening here is related to the first book. So to make it a better and more enjoyable read, pick up Mageborn first

Jessica Thorne has done it again! Nightborn delivers adventure, love, magic and whole lot of action in one entertaining fantasy novel.

This is the second novel of the series and I love how it could be read as a standalone book. Thorne eloquently provides background whenever she references something or someone from the first book of the series, Mageborn in a manner that isn’t bothersome for those who have read it already.
The love between protagonists, Grace and the Hollow King, Bastien is nicely threaded throughout the storyline that keeps all the different happenings and consequences connected, as they try to defeat the Deep Dark and take back the devastated kingdom of Rathlynn. All the action and adventure the book contains kept me on my toes; ensuring the story didn’t lag and but also wasn’t too overwhelming.

There is also more insight provided into how Bastien became the Hollow King and his true relationship to the original king, Lucien Larelwynn that I thought was a nice twist.
Without giving away too much, Grace at one point is forced to say goodbye to her soul mate; begging him to forget her in order to protect him and the people she loved. Let’s just say, it was heartbreaking moment that brought a lump in my throat when I read it.

Additionally, there is also an indication there is much more to come in Grace’s and Bastien’s story when they’re visited by their Lyric friend, Misha after a year of happy isolation from the rest of the world. I’m really looking forward for what happens next in The Hollow King series!

This is an excellent fantasy book, dark and full of actions and emotions.
It's a gripping and well written story that kept me hooked till the end.
I loved the interesting cast of characters, the fleshed out characters and the great world building.
I strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Starting (again) with a dark prophecy and that sense of foreboding, Grace and Sebastian along with Elyn, Danny and Misha are in exile, in an island kingdom. Because there is danger everywhere for Sebastian, and his ex-best friend is colluding with the dowager queen and his rather unhinged sister, returning to Rathlynn without a solid plan to ‘solve’ the problems isn’t really an option. And things are bad everywhere: Mageborn are losing control of their magic and are transforming to Nightborn – the most dangerous and deadly of the magic-wielders. All of that signals a great imbalance in powers, an imbalance that Sebastian believes only he can right by returning to the pool where he first made the deal with the Hollow King.



Of course, Grace isn’t about to shirk her duty or her love for him – even when their relationship has become a political disadvantage. Particularly when a Princess, Rynn, is put forth for Sebastian to wed, as her grandmother, queen and chief manipulator, is arranging things. From one battle to another, to learning of powers heretofore unseen, and the struggles that become the power play between Grace, the Deep Dark, Sebastian and the future of the world.

This is NOT a book that will make sense, not in a real way, if you haven’t read the first: Mageborn. And, while the story is listed as YA Fantasy, this is easily one of the more intriguing and clever series, without becoming a long-winded tale of 5 or 7 books, and perfect for a weekend’s read. In fact, this is one of my favorite series to work with medieval feel, magic, romance and plenty of political sub-plots. Thorne’s characters are easy to relate to with strong voices and clear affection and loyalties shown in friendships. Several twists, a few surprises and some unexpected alliances are formed and strengthened in this one, and leaves us all with a peek into the ‘what afters’ for characters we’ve come to know and appreciate.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aIa/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

I absolutely adored Mageborn so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book.

After reading the synopsis for Nightborn - I must admit I was terrified for Grace and Bastien's relationship!

From the very beginning whilst reading the prologue I was hooked yet again by Jessica's writing style.

It dives straight in from where Mageborn left off and it was easy to get sucked back into Grace and Bastien's world again.

If I thought the first was an emotional roller coaster - I was a fool. This book gave no reprieve. The rug was pulled from under my feet so many times, towards the end, each time there was a glimmer of hope for the gang - I just knew something wicked was waiting for them around the corner.

There were plenty of villains in this story, new and old - but more often than not the main characters were their own worst enemies! There was so much self doubt that it was heartbreaking and a torture to read from Grace and Bastien's POV.

Grace stole the show by far and at times that meant Bastien felt like a side character. But I still adore him.

This book was darker than the first too, the scene with Kurt and the first Nightborn he encounters was horrifying and I'm not sure I will get that image out of my head for a while.

If you loved the first instalment, be prepared to have your heart crushed and for your emotions to be all over the place right up until the very last page of this book. It has the perfect blend of despair and hope that made it a great page tuner for me.

The story ends with the potential promise for a future instalment. I recently asked the author if this series would be a trilogy but at the time only a duology was planned. I'm very happy with how this has ended and would love to read more down the line if she ever revisits this world.

I'm definitely adding more of Jessica's books to my TBR